Is Hershey Chocolate Gluten Free? Your Essential Guide

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 100 Hershey's products are labeled as gluten-free, but navigating the candy aisle requires vigilance as many others are not. The safety of Hershey chocolate for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities depends entirely on the specific product, its size, and packaging, making label-reading a non-negotiable step.

Quick Summary

The gluten-free status of Hershey's products is not universal and can differ based on the specific item and its size. Due to potential cross-contamination and varying ingredients, consumers must always check individual product labels for official 'gluten-free' claims.

Key Points

Not All Are Safe: It's incorrect to assume all Hershey's products are gluten-free, as many contain gluten ingredients or are subject to cross-contamination.
Check Every Label: The gluten-free status can vary significantly by product, flavor, and even size. Consumers must read the specific package label for confirmation.
Risk of Cross-Contamination: Assorted bags of miniatures and seasonal candies often have a higher risk of cross-contamination due to shared production lines.
Safe Options Exist: The classic, standard-size Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar, classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and most Nuggets are examples of gluten-free labeled products.
Avoid Certain Products: Items like Kit Kat, Whoppers, and Twizzlers contain gluten ingredients and are not safe for a gluten-free diet.
FDA Standards: The Hershey Company labels products 'gluten-free' in accordance with FDA standards, meaning they contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Manufacturer Advice: Hershey's themselves advise consumers to check the ingredient label on the package each time they purchase.

Navigating Hershey's Gluten-Free Status

For anyone with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, assuming a standard chocolate bar is safe can lead to health issues. The Hershey Company, one of the largest confectionery manufacturers, has a large portfolio of products, and their gluten-free status varies significantly. According to the company, a product can only be labeled as "gluten-free" if it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, in accordance with FDA regulations. However, this designation is applied on a product-by-product basis, not across the entire brand. The key takeaway for consumers is that if a product is not explicitly labeled gluten-free, it is not considered safe.

Why Not All Hershey's Chocolate is Gluten-Free

The primary reasons behind this inconsistency are changes in ingredients and the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. Some products, like Kit Kat or Whoppers, are intentionally made with gluten-containing ingredients. However, a more subtle risk exists with products that don't contain gluten ingredients but are produced on shared equipment with other items that do. Hershey's uses extensive cleaning procedures to prevent cross-contact, but in cases where risk remains, they will include precautionary labeling. A notable example is the difference between a standard-size Milk Chocolate bar, which is gluten-free, and a king-size or seasonal version, which may not be due to different production lines. Packaging also plays a role; individually sealed items are safer than miniatures or assortments that may have been mixed with gluten-containing products in a single bag.

A Guide to Gluten-Free Hershey's Products

Based on information from the Hershey Company and reputable sources like Beyond Celiac, the following products are generally considered gluten-free. As always, check the label to confirm.

Classic Hershey's Bars: The standard 1.55 oz Milk Chocolate bar is gluten-free. The giant 7.56 oz Milk Chocolate bar is also marked gluten-free.
Hershey's Kisses: Classic silver-wrapped Milk Chocolate Kisses are gluten-free, as are many caramel and special dark varieties.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: The classic, standard-sized Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are gluten-free, but seasonal shapes should be avoided as they often are not.
Mounds & Almond Joy: Both Mounds bars and most Almond Joy varieties (excluding the 'Pieces' candy) are considered gluten-free.
Nuggets & Bites: Many Hershey's Nuggets varieties, including Milk Chocolate and Special Dark with Almonds, are labeled gluten-free.
Baking Products: The classic Hershey's Milk Chocolate Chips and Special Dark Cocoa are typically gluten-free.

Hershey's Products with Gluten or High Risk

Conversely, several popular Hershey's products are known to contain gluten or have a significant cross-contamination risk.

Items to Strictly Avoid: These products contain gluten ingredients and are never considered safe: Kit Kat, Twizzlers, and Whoppers.
High Cross-Contamination Risk: Miniatures or fun-size assortments often mix gluten-free and non-gluten-free products in the same bag. The foil wrapping is not a hermetic seal, and cross-contact is a real possibility. Seasonal items, like holiday-shaped Reese's cups, are also often produced on different, non-dedicated equipment and are not gluten-free.

Comparing Hershey's Gluten Status by Product


Product	Common Form	Gluten-Free?	Notes
Milk Chocolate Bar	Standard 1.55 oz bar	Yes	King-size, snack size, and other forms may not be.
Hershey's Kisses	Classic Milk Chocolate	Yes	Some variations, especially holiday-themed ones with fillings or coatings, may not be.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups	Standard cups	Yes	Seasonal shapes are not considered gluten-free.
Hershey's Nuggets	Milk Chocolate, Special Dark with Almonds	Yes	Most varieties are labeled gluten-free.
Mounds	All sizes	Yes	Always check the label for confirmation.
Almond Joy	All except 'Pieces'	Yes	'Pieces' candy contains gluten.
Kit Kat	All forms	No	Contains wheat ingredients.
Whoppers	All forms	No	Contains wheat ingredients.

The Final Word: Read the Label Every Time

The most important step for anyone on a gluten-free diet is to read the ingredient statement and look for the "gluten-free" label on every package, every time. As Hershey's and other manufacturers can change ingredients, recipes, or production facilities without notice, relying on outdated information is a significant risk. The Hershey Company itself advises consumers to consult the latest label for accurate dietary information. If a product doesn't explicitly state "gluten-free" on the packaging, do not assume it is safe, even if other products in the same line are.

Exploring Other Gluten-Free Chocolate Brands

For those who find the uncertainty surrounding certain Hershey's products concerning, or who have severe gluten sensitivities, numerous chocolate companies offer guaranteed gluten-free options. Brands such as Lily's and Enjoy Life Foods are certified gluten-free, often on dedicated equipment, providing a more secure option for consumers with celiac disease. These brands specialize in products for those with dietary restrictions, eliminating much of the guesswork.

In conclusion, while some popular Hershey chocolate is gluten free, the category is not universally safe. Only products explicitly bearing the gluten-free label should be considered safe for consumption by individuals with gluten sensitivities.

For the most current information and official lists, consumers can visit the ingredient page on the Hershey Company website. [https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/ingredients.html]

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the standard 1.55-ounce Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar is labeled as gluten-free. However, be cautious with other sizes, as king-size or snack-size bars may be made on different equipment and are not always labeled as gluten-free.

No, not all varieties of Hershey's Kisses are gluten-free. The classic Milk Chocolate Kisses are safe, but flavors like Cookies 'n' Creme contain gluten. Always check the label of the specific variety and bag, especially for holiday mixes.

The standard-sized Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are typically gluten-free, but seasonal shapes (like eggs, pumpkins, or trees) are often not. This is due to different manufacturing processes and facilities.

This can happen when different sizes of a product are manufactured in different facilities or on different production lines. A line used for a larger bar might also process gluten-containing products, leading to cross-contamination, whereas the line for the standard-size product is dedicated and free of gluten.

The gluten-free status of Hershey's Special Dark depends on the product. Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder is gluten-free, and some Nuggets varieties are labeled gluten-free. However, the standard Special Dark candy bar is generally not considered safe due to potential cross-contamination.

To be certain, you must read the product label. Safe products will be explicitly marked as "gluten-free" on the packaging. If this claim is not present, it's best to avoid the product to prevent any risk of gluten exposure.

The Hershey Company employs Good Manufacturing Practices to control for allergen crossover. They have site-specific allergen control plans, including extensive cleaning protocols for equipment shared between different products. If there is a concern about cross-contact, precautionary statements like "Manufactured on the same equipment that processes..." will be included on the label.